News

Appeals to be filed in VK copyright infringement cases

3rd March 2016

Appeals will be filed in the copyright infringement cases brought by music companies Universal Music Russia and Warner Music against social network vKontakte (VK) after the Saint Petersburg & Leningradsky Region Appeal Court issued judgments on March 2nd and 3rd.

In two separate judgments the Court overturned the earlier ruling that VK must implement effective technology to stop infringements on its service. The Court upheld the earlier decision finding that VK is not liable for copyright infringement.

IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore said: "These are disappointing judgments which are out of step with rulings both in Russia and around the world, and leave Russia as one of the very few significant music markets in the world that is dominated by a single unlicensed service. The decisions will be appealed."

The Court will make available the rationale for its decisions at a later date.

Both Warner Music UK and Universal Music Russia filed copyright infringement cases against VK in the court in April 2014.